September 9, 2008
As the winter rye grass overseeding/scalping season approaches, the Maricopa County Air Quality Department responds to numerous questions from landscapers and golf course managers about whether or not they need a permit to maintain their grassy landscape.
Although a separate Dust Control Permit is not required to perform standard overseeding/scalping projects, the dust emissions generated from these projects are still regulated under Maricopa County Air Quality Rule 310. Whether permitted or not, everyone is required to be mindful of the dust they’re producing.
Rule 310 states dust emissions cannot exceed 20% opacity and visible emissions cannot travel beyond the property line. In addition, while conducting any dust generating projects, the property owner and/or operator needs to keep record of the control measures they are using to reduce the dust. Examples of control measures include, but are not limited to, water application, trackout control devices and street sweeping.
Maricopa County’s air quality regulations are available for review on the department’s website at the following link: http://www.maricopa.gov/aq/divisions/planning_analysis/AdoptedRules.aspx.
Air Quality Department dust supervisors are available to answer additional questions at 602-506-6734.
About Maricopa County Air Quality Department
The Maricopa County Air Quality Department is a regulatory agency whose goal is to ensure federal clean air standards are achieved and maintained for the residents and visitors of Maricopa County. The department is governed by the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors and follows air quality standards set forth by the federal Clean Air Act.
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